Conveyor with towable elevating carriage

ABSTRACT

A towable conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for towing a conveyor and conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor system has an elevating carriage and a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up the conveyor. Specifically, the towable conveyor system comprises a conveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyor, a second with two or more wheels, and a support member extending upwardly from the elevating carriage; a cable system for raising the conveyor into a position of use and for lowering the conveyor into a towing position; one or more locking mechanisms; and a hitch for connecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towing vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 18/079,668, filed on Dec. 12, 2022, entitled “Conveyor withTowable Elevating Carriage, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/240,764, filed on Apr. 26, 2021, entitled“Conveyor with Towable Elevating Carriage”, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,524,847issued on Dec. 13, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/793,974, filed on Feb. 18, 2020, entitled“Conveyor with Towable Elevating Carriage”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,988,322issued on Apr. 27, 2021, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/806,466, filed Feb. 15, 2019,entitled “Conveyor with Towable Elevating Carriage”, of which the entiredisclosures of each application are hereby expressly incorporated byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related generally to a towable conveyor system,and specifically to a conveyor with a towable elevating carriage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conveyors are typically used at one site and rolled around on wheels tomove from specific location to location within the site. Conveyorstypically must lean against a structure for support and can damage thestructure, e.g., gutters. Few conveyors exist that are interconnected toa vehicle or trailer such that they can be used at various sites, suchas construction sites.

Existing truck-mounted conveyors usually require a CDL-rated truck.Truck-mounted conveyors commonly are used to convey articles and handleloose materials in construction, residential roof replacement, andagricultural applications. Moreover, existing truck-mounted conveyorsare expensive and heavy. Existing free-standing conveyors that aretransported by motor vehicle are difficult to maneuver at the job site,are heavy, and are difficult to set up and extend. Truck-mountedconveyors and free-standing conveyors transported by motor vehicle areoften limited in length because the length that the conveyor can extendin front of and behind the vehicle while driving on public roads islimited by law.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there exists a significant need for a safe and versatiletowable conveyor with an elevating carriage. These and other needs areaddressed by the various embodiments and configurations of the presentinvention. Embodiments of this invention relate to a novel system,device, and method for providing a towable conveyor with an elevatingcarriage. The novel conveyor and carriage provided herein allow for along conveyor that can be towed by a standard (i.e., non-CDL) truck orother towing vehicle. “CDL” refers to a vehicle that is greater than26,000 pounds GVWR and that requires a commercial driver's license tooperate the vehicle.

Thus, it is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention toprovide a conveyor system that can be towed behind a vehicle without theuse of a separate trailer or other towing device does not need a CDLvehicle, and does not need a wide load permit. For example, embodimentsof the present invention can include a conveyor interconnected to anelevating carriage, where the elevating carriage acts as the trailer androlls along the ground behind the towing vehicle.

It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to providea conveyor system that is free-standing and does not have to lean on thestructure. Thus, embodiments of the present invention include a conveyorwith an elevating carriage to raise and support the freestandingconveyor.

In some embodiments, the conveyor is interconnected to the rear end ofthe towing vehicle. In other embodiments, the elevating carriage isinterconnected to the vehicle. In various embodiments, the systemincludes additional components to interconnect the conveyor and/orelevating carriage to the rear end of the towing vehicle. In someembodiments, the system can comprise additional components tointerconnect (either permanently or temporarily) the conveyor andelevating carriage to assist in safely towing the system.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the bottom drive end ofthe conveyor features a multi-position towing hitch that is integratedinto the conveyor frame. This serves the purpose of having anon-removable hitch that does not interfere when the conveyor iselevated to operating positions. In some embodiments, the drive end alsofeatures two self-leveling, 360-degree swivel casters mounted to aleveling plate. The leveling plate keeps both casters on the ground whenthe conveyor is raised, allowing for high mobility regardless of theconveyor incline.

One aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide aconveyor system that is easy to maneuver at the job site and easy toraise and lower. In some embodiments, the conveyor includes handles formanually maneuvering the conveyor. The system can also include castersand/or wheels on the conveyor and/or elevating carriage for easymaneuverability and for raising the conveyor easily.

In some embodiments, the portable conveyor is designed for movingpackaged or self-contained materials up to 25 ft. high. The conveyorfeatures two revolving chains with attached flight assemblies (i.e.,support elements) for carrying materials in some embodiments. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the conveyor is bottom driven viaa motor, a speed reducer, and a roller chain and sprocket. The conveyoris elevated via a winch, cable, and pulley mechanism. In variousembodiments, the motor is an electric motor, the winch is a hand winch,and the cable is a steel cable. In other embodiments, the winch iselectric powered and includes a built-in brake.

It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide aconveyor system that is safe and has most moving parts (except theconveyor chains) confined within the conveyor frame. In some embodimentsof the conveyors described herein, the frame comprises sheet metalpaneling on all or a portion of the sides of the frame. The paneling canextend between about 1 ft. and about 8 ft. along the side of theconveyor from the end (either the top or bottom end). In preferredembodiments, the sheet metal paneling extends between about 2 ft. andabout 4 ft. from each end and can extend different length from the driveend versus the idle end. The sheet metal paneling is typically providedfor safety purposes, e.g., to keep people, heads, arms, hands, fingers,legs, feet, etc. out of the portions of the conveyor comprising movingparts and the portions of the conveyor where most injuries occur. Thespeed reducer, motor, and the roller chain and sprockets are allenclosed within the conveyor frame for safety and to facilitateinstallation through tight clearances, in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the conveyor has a frame comprised of tubing. Thetubing can be metal, plastic, fiber reinforced plastic, or compositematerial. In some embodiments, the tubing is hollow steel tubing. Inother embodiments, the tubing is fiberglass or carbon fiber tubing. Theframe can be a high-strength steel tubing truss conveyor frame. In someembodiments of the conveyors described herein, the conveyor frame isconstructed of standard commercial quality (“CQ”) steel tubing ratherthan the high strength (“HS”) tubing generally used. This isadvantageous because the CQ steel tubing is less expensive than HStubing and the HS tubing is not necessary for all conveyors. However,some embodiments include HS tubing or a combination of CQ and HS tubing.In some embodiments, the conveyor frame has side bars or tubes, whichhave a larger diameter and provide much of the frame support, top barsor tubes, which have a smaller diameter and support the conveyedarticles, and bottom bars or tubes, which also have a smaller diameterlike the top bars or tubes. Note that the term “bottom surface” whenreferring to the conveyor or conveyor frame includes the entire bottomrow of frame bars or tubes.

The conveyor may be controlled via remote control. A user may interactwith the system via any input device such as, a keypad, keyboard, mouse,kiosk, smart phone, e-reader, tablet, laptop, Ultrabook™, personaldigital assistant, handheld computer (e.g., Palm Pilot®, Blackberry®,iPhone®, iPad®, Android®), cellular phone, or the like. Similarly, theinvention could be used in conjunction with any type of personalcomputer, network computer, work station, minicomputer, mainframe, smartphone, tablet, or the like running any operating system such as anyversion of Windows, MacOS, iOS, OS/2, BeOS, Linux, UNIX, Solaris, MVS,tablet operating system, smart phone operating system, or the like,including any future operating system or similar system.

In some embodiments, the carriage of the conveyor may include at leasttwo wheels for moving the conveyor system. The carriage may also includeat least one wheel locking assembly for locking rotational movement ofthe wheels. The wheels may include a fender for each wheel and a housingdisposed on each fender. Each housing may include one or more lights forilluminating at least a portion of the system during, for example,transportation at night.

In one embodiment, a towable conveyor system is provided comprising: afirst towing position and a second position of use; a conveyor having asupport frame, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles upthe conveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed,a bottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with amotor, and an idle end opposite the drive end; an elevating carriagehaving a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyorat an interconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two ormore wheels interconnected to the second end, and a support memberextending upwardly from a portion of the elevating carriage between thefirst and second ends; a cable system for raising the conveyor into thesecond position of use and for lowering the conveyor into the firsttowing position; a first locking mechanism to releasably connect theconveyor to elevating carriage when the towable conveyor system is inthe first towing position; and a connection mechanism positioned on thedrive end or the idle end of the conveyor, the connection mechanismcapable of detachably interconnecting the conveyor to a rear end of atowing vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first end of the elevating carriage isrotatable around the interconnection point; and the cable systemcomprises a second locking mechanism to lock the towable conveyor systemin the second position of use. In various embodiments, the cable systemcomprises a hand winch with a brake, two cable pulleys, and a cableinterconnected to the hand winch and the two cable pulleys. In variousembodiments, the support member has a first end and a second end,wherein the first end of the support member is interconnected to theelevating carriage, wherein the second end of the support member has asupport cradle that engages the bottom surface of the conveyor when thetowable conveyor system is in the first towing position, wherein thefirst locking mechanism is interconnected to second end of the supportmember, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a pin with ahandle on a first end and a spring proximate a second end, and whereinthe pin extends through an aperture in the support cradle. In someembodiments, the first locking mechanism comprises a pin with a firstend and a second end, a T-handle on the first end of the pin, a springand a shaft collar positioned around the pin between the first andsecond ends of the pin, an angle iron with a substantially horizontalportion and a substantially vertical portion, and a U-shaped handleinterconnected to the substantially horizontal portion of the angleiron, wherein the pin extends through an aperture in the substantiallyvertical portion of the angle iron and extends through the U-shapedhandle. In one embodiment, the conveyor system further comprises adetachable light system interconnected to the idle end of the conveyoror the second end of the elevating carriage; and a safety chaininterconnected to the bottom surface of the conveyor and the elevatingcarriage. In various embodiments, the conveyor is positioned at an anglebetween about 20 degrees and about 65 degrees relative to the groundwhen the towable conveyor system is in the second position of use, andwherein the conveyor is positioned at an angle between about 5 degreesand about 20 degrees relative to the ground when the towable conveyorsystem is in the first towing position.

In one embodiment, a towable conveyor system is provided comprising: asecond position of use and a first towing position; a conveyor having asupport frame, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles upthe conveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed,a bottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with amotor, and an idle end opposite the drive end; an elevating carriagehaving a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyorat an interconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two ormore wheels interconnected to the second end, a center portion betweenthe first and second ends, a first locking mechanism to releasablyconnect the conveyor to the elevating carriage, and two support members,wherein each support member has a first end interconnected to the centerportion of the elevating carriage and a second end opposite the firstend, wherein the first locking mechanism is interconnected to the secondend of one of the support members; a cable system for raising theconveyor into the second position of use and for lowering the conveyorinto the first towing position, wherein the cable system comprises ahand winch interconnected to the conveyor, two cable pulleysinterconnected to the elevating carriage, and a cable interconnected tothe hand winch and the two cable pulleys; a hitch positioned on thedrive end of the conveyor, the hitch capable of detachablyinterconnecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towing vehicle; and adetachable light system interconnected to the idle end of the conveyoror the second end of the elevating carriage.

In various embodiments, the first end of the elevating carriage isrotatable around the interconnection point, wherein the cable systemcomprises a second locking mechanism to lock the towable conveyor systemin the second position of use, and wherein the first locking mechanismcomprises a pin with a first end and a second end, a T-handle on thefirst end of the pin, a spring and a shaft collar positioned around thepin between the first and second ends of the pin, an angle iron with asubstantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion,and a U-shaped handle interconnected to the substantially horizontalportion of the angle iron, wherein the pin extends through an aperturein the substantially vertical portion of the angle iron and extendsthrough the U-shaped handle. In some embodiments, the towable conveyorsystem further comprises a safety chain interconnected to the bottomsurface of the conveyor and the elevating carriage, wherein the conveyoris positioned at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 65 degreesrelative to the ground when the towable conveyor system is in the secondposition of use, and wherein the conveyor is positioned at an anglebetween about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees relative to the elevatingcarriage when the towable conveyor system is in the first towingposition.

In one embodiment, a method of conveying articles is providedcomprising: providing a towable conveyor system for conveying articles,the towable conveyor system comprising: a conveyor having a supportframe, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up theconveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed, abottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with amotor, and an idle end opposite the drive end; an elevating carriagehaving a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyorat an interconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two ormore wheels interconnected to the second end, and a support memberextending upwardly from a portion of the elevating carriage between thefirst and second ends; a cable system comprising a hand winchinterconnected to the conveyor, two cable pulleys interconnected to theelevating carriage, and a cable interconnected to the hand winch and thetwo cable pulleys; a first locking mechanism to releasably connect theconveyor to elevating carriage; and a connection mechanism positioned onthe drive end or the idle end of the conveyor; interconnecting theconnection mechanism to a rear end of a towing vehicle such that theconnection mechanism is in a first towing position and the towableconveyor system is in a towing position; towing the towable conveyorsystem; disconnecting the connection mechanism from the rear end of thetowing vehicle; moving the connection mechanism into a second position;cranking the hand winch to winch the cable; moving the conveyor and/orthe elevating carriage toward each other until the conveyor is in adesired position of use; and conveying the articles on the outer uppersurface of the conveyor.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises pulling a handle ofthe first locking mechanism and releasing the conveyor from theelevating carriage before cranking the hand winch; chocking the two ormore wheels, wherein the towable conveyor system further comprises asafety chain, and wherein the method further comprises securing thesafety chain to the bottom surface of the conveyor at a desired safetychain length.

In at least one embodiment, a towable conveyor system is providedcomprising: a first towing position and a second position of use; aconveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements forconveying articles up the conveyor, an outer upper surface on which thearticles are conveyed, a bottom surface opposite the outer uppersurface, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end opposite the driveend; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to thesupport frame of the conveyor at an interconnection point, a second endopposite the first end, two or more wheels interconnected to the secondend, and a support member extending upwardly from a portion of theelevating carriage between the first and second ends; a wheel lockingassembly operable to selectively lock rotation of the two or morewheels; a cable system for raising the conveyor into the second positionof use and for lowering the conveyor into the first towing position; anda first locking mechanism to releasably connect the conveyor toelevating carriage when the towable conveyor system is in the firsttowing position.

In various embodiments, the cable system comprises a winch with a brake,two cable pulleys, and a cable interconnected to the winch and the twocable pulleys. In some embodiments, the winch is electric powered. Inother embodiments, the brake is built-in and operable to not permit thecable to be released from the winch when tension is on the cable unlessthe winch is moved in the reverse direction. In various embodiments, thesystem further comprises a fender for each wheel of the two or morewheels; and a housing disposed on each fender, each housing includingone or more lights. In some embodiments, the wheel locking assemblyincludes a pin movable within a bracket, the bracket coupled to a wheelaxis extending between the two or more wheels, each wheel including atleast one opening, wherein rotational movement of each wheel is lockedwhen the pin is positioned in one opening of the at least one opening ofeach wheel. In some embodiments, the bracket includes at least two slotsfor receiving a handle of the pin.

In at least one embodiment, a towable conveyor system is providedcomprising: a first towing position and a second position of use; aconveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements forconveying articles up the conveyor, an outer upper surface on which thearticles are conveyed, a bottom surface opposite the outer uppersurface, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end opposite the driveend; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to thesupport frame of the conveyor at an interconnection point, a second endopposite the first end, two or more wheels interconnected to the secondend, a center portion between the first and second ends, a first lockingmechanism to releasably connect the conveyor to the elevating carriage,and two support members, wherein each support member has a first endinterconnected to the center portion of the elevating carriage and asecond end opposite the first end, wherein the first locking mechanismis interconnected to the second end of one of the support members; acable system for raising the conveyor into the second position of useand for lowering the conveyor into the first towing position, whereinthe cable system comprises a hand winch interconnected to the conveyor,two cable pulleys interconnected to the elevating carriage, and a cableinterconnected to the hand winch and the two cable pulleys; a hitchpositioned on the drive end of the conveyor, the hitch capable ofdetachably interconnecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towingvehicle; and a wheel locking assembly operable to selectively lockrotation of the two or more wheels.

In various embodiments, the wheel locking assembly includes a pinmovable within a bracket, the bracket coupled to a wheel axis extendingbetween the two or more wheels, each wheel including at least oneopening, wherein rotational movement of each wheel is locked when thepin is positioned in one opening of the at least one opening of eachwheel. In other embodiments, the bracket includes at least two slots forreceiving a handle of the pin.

In at least one embodiment, a method of conveying articles is providedcomprising: providing a towable conveyor system for conveying articles,the towable conveyor system comprising: a conveyor having a supportframe, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up theconveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed, abottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with amotor, and an idle end opposite the drive end; an elevating carriagehaving a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyorat an interconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two ormore wheels interconnected to the second end, and a support memberextending upwardly from a portion of the elevating carriage between thefirst and second ends; a cable system comprising a winch interconnectedto the conveyor, two cable pulleys interconnected to the elevatingcarriage, and a cable interconnected to the winch and the two cablepulleys; a first locking mechanism to releasably connect the conveyor toelevating carriage; a connection mechanism positioned on the drive endor the idle end of the conveyor; and a wheel locking assembly operableto selectively lock rotation of the two or more wheels, interconnectingthe connection mechanism to a rear end of a towing vehicle such that theconnection mechanism is in a first towing position and the towableconveyor system is in a towing position; towing the towable conveyorsystem; disconnecting the connection mechanism from the rear end of thetowing vehicle; moving the connection mechanism into a second position;cranking the winch to winch the cable; moving the conveyor and/or theelevating carriage toward each other until the conveyor is in a desiredposition of use; and conveying the articles on the outer upper surfaceof the conveyor.

In various embodiments, the method may further comprise lockingrotational movement of the wheels using the wheel locking assembly. Insome embodiments, the wheel locking assembly includes a pin movablewithin a bracket, the bracket coupled to a wheel axis extending betweenthe two or more wheels, each wheel including at least one opening,wherein rotational movement of each wheel is locked when the pin ispositioned in one opening of the at least one opening of each wheel.

In various embodiments, a towable conveyor system may use a gas-poweredmotor in instances such as, for example, where an electrical powersource is unavailable or inconvenient to obtain. However, the motor isfixed to a platform and must remain level with the ground during use ofthe towable conveyor system; otherwise, the motor 200 may shut off ifoperated at an angle relative to the ground. Further, a second rollerchain of the motor (and other components) may loosen or tighten as theconveyor is moved between different positions (e.g., a first towingposition, a second upright position, etc.). In other words, a distancebetween components of the motor such as, for example, a motor driveshaft and a secondary drive shaft changes as the conveyor moves, whichresults in changes to the second roller chain that may result in thesecond roller chain loosing tension. Thus, a tension assembly may beused with the motor to maintain tension on the second roller chain asthe conveyor moves between the different positions.

Thus, towable conveyor system according to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure is provided and comprises: a first towingposition and a second position of use; a conveyor having a supportframe, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up theconveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed, abottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end, and anidle end opposite the drive end; an enclosure positioned at the driveend; a motor positioned in the enclosure and configured to drive theconveyor, the motor having a motor shaft; a drive shaft; a secondarydrive shaft; a first roller chain connecting the drive shaft and thesecondary draft shaft; a second roller chain connecting the secondarydrive shaft and the motor shaft; and a tension assembly configured tomaintain tension on the second roller chain when the conveyor movesbetween the first towing position and the second position of use.

In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises a first idler gear,a second idler gear, and a third idler gear each contacting the secondroller chain. In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises atensioner connected to the third idler gear, the tensioner extendingfrom a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is positioned inthe enclosure and the second end extends through and out of an openingon the enclosure. In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises aspring positioned on the second end of the tensioner and outside of theenclosure, wherein the spring biases the second end from the enclosurethereby pulling the third idler gear upwards towards the second end tomaintain tension on the second roller chain. In some embodiments, thetensioner comprises a rod. In some embodiments, the system furthercomprises: a first bolt connected to the first idler gear and extendingthrough a first slot formed on the enclosure; and a second boltconnected to the second idler gear and extending through a second slotformed on the enclosure, wherein the first idler gear and the secondidler gear are free spinning and free to move longitudinally along alength of the first slot and the second slot, respectively. In someembodiments the system further comprises: a drive sprocket connected tothe drive shaft; a first secondary drive sprocket connected to thesecondary drive shaft at a first end; a second secondary drive sprocketconnected to the secondary drive shaft at a second end opposite thefirst end; and a motor sprocket connected to the motor, wherein thefirst roller chain connects the drive sprocket and the first secondarydrive sprocket and the second roller chain connects the second secondarydrive sprocket and the motor sprocket. In some embodiments, the systemfurther comprises: an elevating carriage having a first endinterconnected to the support frame of the conveyor at aninterconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two or morewheels interconnected to the second end, a center portion between thefirst and second ends, and two support members, wherein each supportmember has a first end interconnected to the center portion of theelevating carriage and a second end opposite the first end. In someembodiments, the system further comprises: a cable system for raisingthe conveyor into the second position of use and for lowering theconveyor into the first towing position, wherein the cable systemcomprises a hand winch interconnected to the conveyor, two cable pulleysinterconnected to the elevating carriage, and a cable interconnected tothe hand winch and the two cable pulleys. In some embodiments, thesystem further comprises: a hitch positioned on the drive end of theconveyor, the hitch capable of detachably interconnecting the conveyorto a rear end of a towing vehicle. In some embodiments, the conveyor ispositioned at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 65 degreesrelative to the ground when the towable conveyor system is in the secondposition of use, and wherein the conveyor is positioned at an anglebetween about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees relative to the ground whenthe towable conveyor system is in the first towing position.

A towable conveyor system according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure is provided and comprises a first towing position anda second position of use; a conveyor having a support frame, a pluralityof support elements for conveying articles up the conveyor, an outerupper surface on which the articles are conveyed, a bottom surfaceopposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with a motor, and an idleend opposite the drive end; an elevating carriage having a first endinterconnected to the support frame of the conveyor at aninterconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two or morewheels interconnected to the second end, a center portion between thefirst and second ends, and two support members, wherein each supportmember has a first end interconnected to the center portion of theelevating carriage and a second end opposite the first end; a cablesystem for raising the conveyor into the second position of use and forlowering the conveyor into the first towing position; an enclosurepositioned at the drive end; a motor positioned in the enclosure andconfigured to drive the conveyor, the motor having a motor shaft; adrive shaft; a secondary drive shaft; a first roller chain connectingthe drive shaft and the secondary draft shaft; a second roller chainconnecting the secondary drive shaft and the motor shaft; and a tensionassembly configured to maintain tension on the second roller chain whenthe conveyor moves between the first towing position and the secondposition of use.

In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises a first idler gear,a second idler gear, and a third idler gear each contacting the secondroller chain. In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises atensioner connected to the third idler gear, the tensioner extendingfrom a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is positioned inthe enclosure and the second end extends through and out of an openingon the enclosure. In some embodiments, the tension assembly comprises aspring positioned on the second end of the tensioner and outside of theenclosure, wherein the spring biases the second end from the enclosurethereby pulling the third idler gear upwards towards the second end tomaintain tension on the second roller chain. In some embodiments, thesystem further comprises: a first bolt connected to the first idler gearand extending through a first slot formed on the enclosure; and a secondbolt connected to the second idler gear and extending through a secondslot formed on the enclosure, wherein the first idler gear and thesecond idler gear are free spinning and free to move longitudinallyalong a length of the first slot and the second slot, respectively.

A method of conveying articles according to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure comprises providing a towable conveyor system forconveying articles, the towable conveyor system comprising: a conveyorhaving a support frame, a plurality of support elements for conveyingarticles up the conveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articlesare conveyed, a bottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a driveend with a motor, and an idle end opposite the drive end; an elevatingcarriage having a first end interconnected to the support frame of theconveyor at an interconnection point, a second end opposite the firstend, two or more wheels interconnected to the second end, and a supportmember extending upwardly from a portion of the elevating carriagebetween the first and second ends; a cable system comprising a winchinterconnected to the conveyor, two cable pulleys interconnected to theelevating carriage, and a cable interconnected to the winch and the twocable pulleys; an enclosure positioned at the drive end; a motorpositioned in the enclosure and configured to drive the conveyor, themotor having a motor shaft; a drive shaft; a secondary drive shaft; afirst roller chain connecting the drive shaft and the secondary draftshaft; a second roller chain connecting the secondary drive shaft andthe motor shaft; and a tension assembly configured to maintain tensionon the second roller chain when the conveyor moves between the firsttowing position and the second position of use; a first lockingmechanism to releasably connect the conveyor to elevating carriage; anda connection mechanism positioned on the drive end or the idle end ofthe conveyor, interconnecting the connection mechanism to a rear end ofa towing vehicle such that the connection mechanism is in a first towingposition and the towable conveyor system is in a towing position; towingthe towable conveyor system; disconnecting the connection mechanism fromthe rear end of the towing vehicle; moving the connection mechanism intoa second position; cranking the winch to winch the cable; moving theconveyor and/or the elevating carriage toward each other until theconveyor is in a desired position of use, wherein the tension assemblymaintains tension on the second roller chain when the conveyor ismoving; and conveying the articles on the outer upper surface of theconveyor.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling a handle ofthe first locking mechanism and releasing the conveyor from theelevating carriage before cranking the winch. In some embodiments, thetension assembly comprises a first idler gear, a second idler gear, anda third idler gear each contacting the second roller chain. In someembodiments, the tension assembly comprises a tensioner connected to thethird idler gear, the tensioner extending from a first end to a secondend, wherein the first end is positioned in the enclosure and the secondend extends through and out of an opening on the enclosure.

For purposes of further disclosure, the following references generallyrelated to conveyors are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties:

U.S. Pat. No. 10,464,754 issued to Miller et al. on Nov. 5, 2019;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/675,105 to Bacon-Maldonado, III etal., filed on Nov. 5, 2019; and

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0366902 to Bacon-Maldonado, III et al.,which published on Dec. 5, 2019.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B,and C together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about”.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.§ 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shallcover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all ofthe equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts andthe equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summaryof the invention, brief description of the drawings, detaileddescription, abstract, and claims themselves.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinvention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments,objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. TheSummary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construedas being representative of the full extent and scope of the presentinvention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention”or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments ofthe present invention and should not necessarily be construed aslimiting all embodiments to a particular description. The presentinvention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of theInvention as well as in the attached drawings and the DetailedDescription and no limitation as to the scope of the present inventionis intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements,components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects ofthe present invention will become more readily apparent from theDetailed Description, particularly when taken together with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following descriptionis merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, which may beapplied in various ways to provide many different alternativeembodiments. This description is made for illustrating the generalprinciples of the teachings of this invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system interconnectedto a vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system interconnectedto a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the support element;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system detached fromthe towing vehicle and positioned in a position of use;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system in a secondposition, i.e., after being detached from the towing vehicle;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the drive end (or bottom) of the conveyorof FIG. 5 with the hitch shown in a first towing position;

FIG. 7 shows the drive end of the conveyor of FIG. 6 after the hitch hasbeen moved into a second upright position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the idle (or top) end of the conveyor ofFIG. 5 ;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the center portion of the towable conveyorsystem of FIG. 5 , which includes the towable elevating carriage and thecenter portion of the conveyor;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the center portion of the towableconveyor system of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 5proximate the drive end;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system in a thirdposition, i.e., after being detached from the towing vehicle and withthe hitch in a second upright position;

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system in a fourthposition, i.e., as the conveyor is being raised;

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system in anextended position of use;

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a carriage of the towable conveyorsystem;

FIG. 16 shows a rear view of the carriage of the towable conveyorsystem;

FIG. 17 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the carriage;

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system;

FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 18proximate the drive end;

FIG. 20 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 18proximate the drive end;

FIG. 21 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 18proximate the drive end;

FIG. 22 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 18proximate the drive end; and

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional and enlarged view of a portion of theconveyor of FIG. 18 proximate the drive end and taken along the line A-Ashown in FIG. 19 .

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale,and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, detailsthat are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or thatrender other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Itshould be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarilylimited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forthat the end of this disclosure. The Detailed Description is to beconstrued as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment since describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments couldbe implemented, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, oraspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/orapparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, includingvarious embodiments, configurations, aspects, subcombinations, andsubsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to makeand use the present invention after understanding the presentdisclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments,configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes inthe absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in variousembodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absenceof such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes,e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost ofimplementation.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a towable conveyor system 10interconnected to a vehicle 2, which may be a standard pick-up truck.The towable conveyor system 10 comprises a carriage 12, which may becalled an elevating carriage, a conveyor 30, a safety chain 20interconnected to the conveyor 30 and the elevating carriage 12, and oneor more cables 22 interconnected to a winch, the conveyor 30, and/or theelevating carriage 12. The conveyor 30 comprises support elements 32 forconveying material and articles. The elevating carriage 12 comprises afirst end interconnected to a bottom portion of the conveyor 30, andspecifically to the conveyor frame, and a second end opposite the firstend. The second end of the elevating carriage 12 has two wheels 16,which can be tires in some embodiments. The wheels 16 are chocked usingchocks 6 and/or rotation of the wheels 16 are locked using a wheellocking assembly 140. The elevating carriage 12 also includes a supportcradle or conveyor cradle 14. The support cradle 14 includes two armmembers in some embodiments. The conveyor system 10 further includeslights 18, which can be positioned on the conveyor 10 and/or theelevating carriage 12.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a towable conveyor system 10interconnected to a vehicle 2. The conveyor 30 has a drive end 36 and anidle end 34. The ends of the conveyor 30 may be called first and secondends herein to refer to an end generally. In the embodiment shown, thedrive end 36 is interconnected to the vehicle 2. However, in otherembodiments, the idle end 34 may be connected to the vehicle 2. A lightassembly 4 is interconnected to the idle end 34 of the conveyor 30 andthe light assembly 4 includes two lights 18. If the idle end 34 of theconveyor 30 is interconnected to the vehicle 2, then the light assembly4 would be interconnected to the drive end 36 of the conveyor 30 suchthat it is connected to the end away from the vehicle 2. During towing,the conveyor 30 is interconnected to the carriage 12 and/or supported bythe support cradle 14. Thus, an upper end of each arm of the supportcradle 14 is interconnected to the bottom of the conveyor 30. Once thevehicle 2 is at the desired location, the wheels 16 of the carriage 12are chocked using chocks 6. In some embodiments, rotation of the wheels16 of the carriage may be locked using a wheel locking assembly 140 asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 15-17 . The wheel locking assembly 140may be used in addition to the chocks 6 or in place of the chocks.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the support element 32,which conveys articles and materials along the conveyor 30. In someembodiments, the support elements 32 are padded steel flights. In oneembodiment, the support elements 32 extend a height above the conveyor30 surface between about 3.0 inches and about 6.0 inches. In a preferredembodiment, the support elements 32 are 4-inch high padded steelflights. In some embodiments, the support elements 32 also include aportavator pad 40 ahead of each flight or support element 32. Theportavator pads 40 are typically used for conveying tile. The portavatorpads 40 are substantially perpendicular to the flights; thus, theportavator pads 40 are substantially parallel to the outer surface ofthe conveyor 30. The portavator pads 40 can have a width between about50% and about 90% of the width of the conveyor 30. In some embodiments,the portavator pads 40 extend a length along the conveyor 30 (i.e., inthe direction of conveyor travel) between about 8.0 inches and about24.0 inches.

The conveyor 30 comprises one or more conveyor chains 48, which can beseen in FIG. 3 . The conveyor 30 has two chains 48 in some embodiments,while the conveyor 30 may only have one chain 48 in other embodiments ormore than two chains 48 in still other embodiments. The portavator pads40 and the flights 32 are interconnected to the chains 48. In someembodiments, portavator pads 40 and the flights 32 are releasablyinterconnected to the chains 48 via fasteners, for example, bolts, suchthat they can be removed for repair, replaced, or moved to accommodatemore or few support elements 32. However, other known interconnectionmeans can be used in other embodiments. Each chain 48 is positioned in atrack 38 to keep the chain 48 in the desired position and prevent thechain from twisting. The chains 48 can be continuously revolvingdetachable chains in some embodiments. In various embodiments, the chain48 is an agricultural steel detachable chain, and can be item #55 madeby Allied-Locke Industries. The chains 48 rotate around the conveyor ata constant speed ranging between about 40 FPM (feet per minute) andabout 100 FPM. In a preferred embodiment, the chains 48 rotate aroundthe conveyor at a constant speed of about 80 FPM.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a towable conveyor system 10 detached fromthe towing vehicle and positioned in a position of use. Here, the driveend 36 of the conveyor 30 is positioned proximate the ground, but theconveyor 30 could be reversed in other embodiments with the idle end 34at the bottom of the conveyor 30 proximate the ground. The bottom end 36of the conveyor 30 comprises an integrated trailer hitch 50 for towingthe system 10. The hitch 50 can be a ball hitch or a pintle hitch orother known hitches. The hitch 50 is interconnected to the conveyor viaarm members. An upper arm member is movable such that the hitch 50 has afirst towing position and a second upright position for conveyingarticles. The bottom end 36 also includes one or more casters 52. Thecasters 52 may be self-leveling casters 52 mounted to an auto-levelingplate. In additional or alternative embodiments, the casters 52 may beswivel casters for easy jobsite maneuverability, may be removeable,and/or may have a locking mechanism to prevent the casters 52 fromrolling.

In some embodiments, the loading (i.e., bottom) end of the conveyor 30may have one or more support stands that rest on the ground instead ofcasters such that the loading end is stationary and cannot roll. Thesupport stand is positioned on the ground and may have an adjustableangle depending on the desired final angle of the conveyor 30.

The conveyor 30 comprises at least one chain 48 and a plurality ofsupport elements 32. One support element 32 is shown conveying anarticle 42. In various embodiments, the elevating carriage 12 includes asupport cradle 14 with two support arms 15 and a perpendicular bar 28extending from one support arm 15 to the other. The perpendicular bar 28is substantially perpendicular to each support arm 15. The distal end ofeach support arm 15 includes a locking mechanism 44 in some embodiments.In other embodiments, only one support arm 15 includes a lockingmechanism 44. The locking mechanism 44 locks the conveyor 30 to theelevating carriage 12 such that the conveyor 30 does not bounce up anddown on the support cradle 14 when the system 10 is being towed. Thelocking mechanism 44 can be a spring-loaded locking mechanism with ahandle 46 in various embodiments. Other embodiments can include only onesupport arm 15.

The towable conveyor system 10 further comprises a winch 68 for winchinga cable 22 to raise and lower the conveyor 30. The cable 22 extends froma fixed location on the bottom surface of the conveyor 30 to a firstcable pulley and then to a second cable pulley and then to the winch 68.The winch 68 can be an hand winch with a handle for cranking the winch68 or the winch 68 can be an electric winch with a motor. The winch 68has a built-in brake such that when there is tension on the cable 22,the brake does not permit the cable 22 to be released from the winch 68unless the winch 68 is moved in the reverse direction, i.e., the handleis rotated in the opposite direction or the user switches the electricwinch into the reverse operating mode. As the winch 68 is cranked, thecable 22 winds up onto a spool and raises the conveyor 30 by shorteningthe distance of the cable 22 between the elevating carriage 12 and theconveyor 30. The winch 68 and cable 22 lock the conveyor 30 in theupright position of use at the desired height and angle. The cable 22may be a steel wire rope in some embodiments. Other embodiments may havetwo cables and two winding spools, or one spool with a partition betweenthe two winding portions for the two cables.

The system 10 also includes a safety chain 20, which may be a coil chainin some embodiments. The safety chain 20 is interconnected on a firstend to the elevating carriage 12 and is interconnected at another pointon the chain 20 to the bottom of the conveyor 30. The first end of thesafety chain 20 may be permanently interconnected to the elevatingcarriage 12 or the first end of the safety chain 20 can have a releasingmechanism to attach and detach from the elevating carriage 12, forexample, a hook, a carabiner, or a clip. In some embodiments, the chain20 connects to the conveyor 30 via a keyhole mechanism, where the chain20 is put through a keyhole and the keyhole mechanism allows the user tolock the chain 20 at the desired length. Thus, the chain 20 length isfreely adjustable and can be locked at a position under tension when theconveyor 30 is in the desired position. The chain 20 is for safetypurposes and provides a back-up locking mechanism to lock the conveyor30 in the position of use and to prevent the conveyor 30 from falling ifthe cable 22 breaks or comes out of tension.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system 10 in a secondposition, i.e., after being detached from the towing vehicle and withthe hitch 50 in the first towing position. The towable conveyor system10 comprises a conveyor 30 and an elevating carriage 12. The conveyor 30has a frame 60 comprised of tubing. The frame 60 has longitudinal sidebars or side tubes, which have a larger diameter and provide much of theframe support, longitudinal top bars or tubes, which have a smallerdiameter and support the conveyed articles, and longitudinal bottom barsor tubes that have a smaller diameter similar to the top longitudinalbars or tubes. The conveyor frame 60 can also include perpendicular barsor tubes on the top, bottom, and/or sides of the conveyor. Further, thesides of the frame 60 may also have diagonal bars or tubes.

The conveyor 30 includes tracks 38 for the chains. The tracks 38 runlongitudinally along the conveyor 30. The conveyor 30 has a secondarystart/stop switch 92 and a detachable light assembly 4 with lightsproximate the idle end or the discharge end 34. The opposite end 36,i.e., the drive end or the loading end, includes the hitch 50interconnected to the conveyor 30 via arm members. An upper arm memberis movable such that the hitch 50 has a first towing position (shown inFIG. 5 ) and a second upright position for conveying articles (shown inFIG. 7 ). The bottom end 36 also includes one or more casters 52. Thecasters 52 may be self-leveling casters 52 mounted to an auto-levelingplate 54. In additional or alternative embodiments, the casters 52 maybe swivel casters for easy jobsite maneuverability. The casters 52 maybe removeable and/or may have a locking mechanism to prevent the casters52 from rolling. The drive end 36 includes the motor and an enclosure 56for enclosing the motor and speed reducer and also includes a rollerchain guard 58. The conveyor 30 has an up/stop/down switch 90 positionedproximate the load end 36.

The elevating carriage 12 comprises longitudinal frame members 26 andhorizontal or perpendicular frame members 24 extending between thelongitudinal frame members 26. The elevating carriage 12 has a first endinterconnected to the conveyor frame 60 at an interconnection point 78.Specifically, the first end of the elevating carriage 12 isinterconnected to a carriage mounting ear 70 that is secured to theconveyor frame 60. The second end of the elevating carriage 12 comprisesone or more wheels 16. The elevating carriage 12 includes a supportcradle 14 for securely holding the conveyor 30 in the towing positionvia one or more locking mechanisms 44. Additionally, one horizontal orperpendicular frame member 24 proximate a center of the elevatingcarriage 12 has a safety chain mount point 72 to which one end of thesafety chain is secured.

The conveyor 30 also includes a winch 68 with a built-in brake. Thewinch 68 can be a hand winch or an electric winch. The winch 68 isinterconnected to a cable attached to the elevating carriage 12 via oneor more cable pulleys 74. The winch 68 and cable system are similar toother winches and cable systems described elsewhere herein.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the drive end or load end 36 of theconveyor 30 of FIG. 5 with the hitch 50 shown in the first towingposition. FIG. 7 also shows the drive end 36 of the conveyor 30, butwith the hitch 50 in a second upright position. The components of FIGS.6 and 7 are the same and will be discussed together.

The drive end 36 of the conveyor 30 includes an enclosure 56 for themotor. The roller chain guard has been removed for these figures suchthat the internal components can be seen. The enclosure 56 includes oneor more top mounting plates 110, 112. The speed reducer is mounted to anunder side of the first mounting plate 110 via the fasteners 126. Theupper surface of the first mounting plate 110 includes two hitchmounting ears 116 and a structural support gusset 124 for securing thehitch 50 to the conveyor 30 in the first towing position. Specifically,the hitch 50 includes an upper support arm 100 and two side support arms104. In the hitch first position (FIG. 6 ), i.e., the hitch towingposition, the distal end 106 of the upper support arm 100 isinterconnected to the two hitch mounting ears 116 via a locking pin 118with a handle 120. The upper surface of the second mounting plate 112includes one or more hitch mounting ears 114. In the hitch secondposition (FIG. 7 ), i.e., the upright hitch position, the distal end 106of the upper support arm 100 is interconnected to the hitch mounting ear114 via the locking pin 118. The distal end 106 of the upper support arm100 includes an aperture through which the locking pin 118 extends. Thehitch mounting ears 116 on the first mounting plate 110 and the hitchmounting ear 114 on the second mounting plate 112 also include aperturesthrough which the locking pin 118 extends to lock the hitch 50 in thedesired position. The locking pin 118 can be removed from the uppersupport arm 100 and hitch mounting ears 114, 116 by pulling on the pin'shandle 120. The upper support arm 100 includes a handle 102 for movingthe upper support arm 100 from the first towing position to the secondupright position. Because the hitch 50 can move from the first towingposition to the second upright position where it does not interfere withthe conveyor 30 elevating process, the hitch 50 can be integrated intoand permanently secured to the conveyor frame 60.

The casters 52 are mounted to the caster leveling plate 54, whichrotates freely around a pivot rod 108. When the conveyor 30 is elevated,the caster leveling plate 54 stays level with both casters 52 remainingon the ground. The pivot rod 108 is mounted on two pipes or bars, whichcan be a part of the motor enclosure 56 and are fixed to the conveyorframe 60. The pivot rod 108 also allows the hitch 50 to rotate freelybecause the distal ends of the two side support arms 104 have tube-likeconnectors 105 that surround the pivot rod 108 and rotate around thepivot rod 108.

The drive end 36 of the conveyor 30 includes the motor 96, which meansthat the drive end 36 also includes the drive shaft 130. The drive shaft130 is interconnected to and held in place via the ball bearingflangette housing 138 and side panel 122. The drive shaft 130 has asprocket (not shown) proximate the inside of the side panel 122. Thedrive shaft sprocket is fixedly secured to the drive shaft 130 and thedrive shaft sprocket is interconnected to a roller chain 136. Theopposite end of the roller chain 136 is interconnected to a speedreducer sprocket 134. The speed reducer sprocket 134 is mounted to thespeed reducer gearbox 98, which is mounted to the motor 96. The motor 96can be an electric motor in some embodiments. The speed reducer 98 ismounted to the mounting plate 110 via the one or more fasteners 126(e.g., bolts). The fasteners 126 are mounted in slots that provide themeans for tensioning the roller chain 136. The roller chain 136transmits power from the motor 96 to the drive shaft 130. SDC (steeldetachable chain) sprockets 132 are fixedly interconnected to the driveshaft 130 and drive the chains (48 in other figures). Each conveyorchain (which may be an SDC) is interconnected to an SDC sprocket 132.The SDC sprockets 132 drive the chains and conveyor flights or supportelements. The capacitor housing 142 of the motor is visible in FIGS. 6and 7 .

In some embodiments, the conveyor 30 has an in-line gearmotor and speedreducer combination. Further, the drive assembly is enclosed in theframe 60 and/or enclosure 56 in some embodiments. Ideally, the electricgearmotor 96, 98, roller chain 136, and sprocket 134 are fully containedwithin the enclosure 56 and/or conveyor frame 60.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the idle end or discharge end 34 of theconveyor 30. The idle end 34 comprises a detachable light assembly 4,which includes two lights 18 interconnected to a support bar 150interconnected to the locking mechanisms 152, one on each side of theconveyor 30. The locking mechanisms 152 are similar to the lockingmechanisms 44 described elsewhere herein and can be spring-loadedlocking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms 152 each comprise a lockingpin 164 with a T-handle 160 on a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, a spring 162 and a shaft collar positioned around the pin 164between the first and second ends of the pin 164, an angle iron 154 witha substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion,and a U-shaped handle 156 interconnected to the substantially horizontalportion of the angle iron 154. The locking pin 164 extends through anaperture in the substantially vertical portion of the angle iron 154,over the top of the conveyor frame tube 60, and through the U-shapedhandle 156. The support bar 150 is secured to the bottom of the angleiron 154. The locking mechanism 152 is released by pulling the handle160 outward such that the pin 164 is no longer positioned above theconveyor frame tube 60. Thus, the light assembly 4 is detachable fromthe conveyor 30 and conveyor frame 60 via the spring-loaded lockingmechanisms 152.

The idle end 34 includes idler sprockets 170 interconnected to the steeldetachable chain (not shown in this figure, but item 48 in otherfigures). The idler sprockets 170 spin freely (i.e., they are notinterconnected to a perpendicular bar or shaft) and provide tensionadjustment for the chains (48). The idler sprockets 170 are also a partof the chain take-up adjustment system. The idler sprockets 170 aremounted to adjustable rods 172, which are threaded on their distal ends174. The threaded ends 174 interconnect to nuts connected to a portionof the conveyor frame 60. The adjustable rods 172 can be screwed into orout of the nuts to lengthen or shorten the adjustable rods 172 and,thus, bring the idler sprockets 170 in toward the conveyor 30 or outaway from the conveyor 30 to tension the chains (48). There is one idlersprocket 170 per chain (48).

FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged views of the center portion of the towableconveyor system of FIG. 5 . Here, the cable pulleys 74 can clearly beseen, as they are interconnected to the elevating carriage 12 viamounting plates or mounting ears 80. The elevating carriage 12 includesa support cradle 14 with two upwardly extending support arms 15 and aperpendicular bar 28 extending from one support arm 15 to the other. Theperpendicular bar 28 is substantially perpendicular to each support arm15. In some embodiments, the support cradle 14 only has one upwardlyextending support arm 15. The distal end of each support arm 15 includesa locking mechanism 44 in some embodiments. The locking mechanism 44locks the conveyor 30 to the elevating carriage 12 such that theconveyor does not bounce up and down on the support cradle 14 when thesystem 10 is being towed. Specifically, the conveyor 30 rests on thesupport cradle 14 when in the towing position and the locking mechanism44 is essentially a pin that grabs the bottom rail of the conveyor frame60 and prevents the conveyor 30 from elevating. The pin can be pulled bypulling on the handle 46 to release the conveyor 30. The lockingmechanism 44 can be a spring-loaded locking mechanism with a lockingpin, a handle 46, a spring 180 and a shaft collar positioned around thepin, an angle iron with an aperture, and a U-shaped handle 182 invarious embodiments. The locking mechanism 44 can be similar to thelocking mechanism 152 described in connection with the light assembly.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the towable conveyor system10 of FIG. 5 proximate the drive end of the conveyor 30. The conveyor 30comprises a winch 68 with a built-in brake for winching the cableinterconnected to the elevating carriage. In some embodiments, the winch68 is a hand winch and includes a handle 200 for cranking the winch 68.The winch 68 can be turned in either direction to either shorten orlength the cable and raise or lower the conveyor 30, respectively.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the towable conveyor system 10 in a thirdposition, i.e., after being detached from the towing vehicle and withthe hitch 50 in a second upright position. FIG. 13 shows the towableconveyor system 10 in a fourth position, i.e., as the conveyor 30 isbeing raised. FIG. 14 shows the towable conveyor system 10 in anextended position of use. Thus, FIGS. 12-14 show the conveyor raisingprocess.

In one embodiment of the conveyor raising process, the first step is torelease the conveyor hitch from the vehicle. To do this, the user uses ajack (which is a separate piece) to lift the hitch off of the ball ofthe vehicle's hitch mount. Next, the user lowers the jack until thecasters on the loading end of the conveyor hit the ground. Then the userchanges hitch position from the towing (first) position shown in FIG. 6to the upright (second) position for conveying articles shown in FIG. 7. The user then unlocks the support cradle locking mechanism by pullingon the T-handles to release the conveyor frame. The user can chock orlock either the casters or the carriage wheels before operating thewinch, or the user can chock or lock the casters and/or the carriagewheels after the conveyor is raised into the desired position of use. Insome embodiments, the wheels 16 of the carriage may be rotationallylocked using a wheel locking assembly 140 as described with respect toFIGS. 15-17 . The wheel locking assembly 140 may be used in addition tothe chocks 6 or in place of the chocks. At this point, the user canfreely hand winch (or turn on the electric winch) the cable to bring theelevating carriage toward the conveyor. As the user cranks the handwinch (or runs the electric winch), the conveyor begins to raise by thewheels and/or casters rolling along the ground. Once the conveyor is inthe desired position, the user should stop cranking the winch.Additionally, the user should secure the safety chain to the conveyor atthe desired chain length using the keyhole mechanism or other chainsecuring mechanism. To lower the conveyor, the steps are repeated in theopposite order and the winch is operated in the opposite direction.

In the third position (FIG. 12 ), in some embodiments, the angle Abetween the conveyor 30 and the ground 190 (or a plane parallel to theground 190 and in line with the caster leveling plate) is between about5° and about 20°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle A is about 12°.In some embodiments, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about27 feet and about 35 feet; the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36to the center of the wheel 16 is between about 240 inches and about 300inches; the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to the dischargeend 34 of the conveyor 30 is between about 85 inches and about 110inches; the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is between about 75 inches and about95 inches, and the height H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground190 is between about 6 feet and about 8 feet. In one preferredembodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is about 31 feet, thelength L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel 16 isabout 265 inches, the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 97 inches, the length L4from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of theconveyor 30 is about 86 inches, and the height H1 of the discharge end34 above the ground 190 is about 7′-1″. In some embodiments, the lengthL1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 20 feet and about 30 feet; thelength L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel 16 isbetween about 240 inches and about 300 inches; the length L3 from thecenter of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 25 inches and about 45 inches; the length L4 from the rearedge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 15 inches and about 35 inches, and the height H1 of thedischarge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about 5 feet and about7 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 isabout 25′-8″, the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the centerof the wheel 16 is about 265 inches, the length L3 from the center ofthe wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 34inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 24 inches, and the heightH1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 6 feet.

In the fourth position (FIG. 13 ), in some embodiments, the angle Abetween the conveyor 30 and the ground 190 (or a plane parallel to theground 190 and in line with the caster leveling plate) is between about20° and about 45°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle A is about 25°.In some embodiments, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about27 feet and about 35 feet; the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36to the center of the wheel 16 is between about 230 inches and about 270inches; the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to the dischargeend 34 of the conveyor 30 is between about 80 inches and about 105inches; the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is between about 70 inches and about90 inches, and the height H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground190 is between about 12 feet and about 15 feet. In one preferredembodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is about 31 feet, thelength L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel 16 isabout 247 inches, the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 92 inches, the length L4from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of theconveyor 30 is about 81 inches, and the height H1 of the discharge end34 above the ground 190 is about 13′-8″. In some embodiments, the lengthL1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 20 feet and about 30 feet; thelength L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel 16 isbetween about 230 inches and about 270 inches; the length L3 from thecenter of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 25 inches and about 45 inches; the length L4 from the rearedge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 15 inches and about 35 inches, and the height H1 of thedischarge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about 9 feet and about13 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30is about 25′-8″, the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to thecenter of the wheel 16 is about 247 inches, the length L3 from thecenter of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isabout 34 inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 23 inches, and the heightH1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 11′-5″.

In a position between FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 (as the conveyor is beingraised), in some embodiments, the angle A between the conveyor 30 andthe ground 190 (or a plane parallel to the ground 190 and in line withthe caster leveling plate) is between about 35° and about 55°. In apreferred embodiment, the angle A is about 25°. In some embodiments, thelength L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 27 feet and about 35 feet;the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel16 is between about 170 inches and about 200 inches; the length L3 fromthe center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 80 inches and about 95 inches; the length L4 from the rearedge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 65 inches and about 85 inches, and the height H1 of thedischarge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about 20 feet and about25 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30is about 31 feet, the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to thecenter of the wheel 16 is about 183 inches, the length L3 from thecenter of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isabout 87 inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 76 inches, and the heightH1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 22′-4″. In someembodiments, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 20 feetand about 30 feet; the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to thecenter of the wheel 16 is between about 170 inches and about 200 inches;the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 ofthe conveyor 30 is between about 35 inches and about 50 inches; thelength L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 ofthe conveyor 30 is between about 25 inches and about 35 inches, and theheight H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about16 feet and about 21 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 ofthe conveyor 30 is about 25′-8″, the length L2 from the conveyor loadend 36 to the center of the wheel 16 is about 183 inches, the length L3from the center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor30 is about 42 inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 31 inches, and theheight H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 18′-7″.

In the extended position of use (e.g., max height, FIG. 14 ), in someembodiments, the angle A between the conveyor 30 and the ground 190 (ora plane parallel to the ground 190 and in line with the caster levelingplate) is between about 50° and about 60°. Other desired extendedpositions of use can be used depending on the jobsite needs. In apreferred embodiment, the angle A is about 55°. In some embodiments, thelength L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 27 feet and about 35 feet;the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to the center of the wheel16 is between about 110 inches and about 140 inches; the length L3 fromthe center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 85 inches and about 110 inches; the length L4 from therear edge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isbetween about 75 inches and about 100 inches, and the height H1 of thedischarge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about 22 feet and about28 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the conveyor 30is about 31 feet, the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to thecenter of the wheel 16 is about 125 inches, the length L3 from thecenter of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 isabout 98 inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to thedischarge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 87 inches, and the heightH1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 25′-9″. In someembodiments, the length L1 of the conveyor 30 is between about 20 feetand about 30 feet; the length L2 from the conveyor load end 36 to thecenter of the wheel 16 is between about 110 inches and about 140 inches;the length L3 from the center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 ofthe conveyor 30 is between about 50 inches and about 70 inches; thelength L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 ofthe conveyor 30 is between about 40 inches and about 60 inches, and theheight H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is between about19 feet and about 24 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the length L1 ofthe conveyor 30 is about 25′-8″, the length L2 from the conveyor loadend 36 to the center of the wheel 16 is about 125 inches, the length L3from the center of the wheel 16 to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor30 is about 61 inches, the length L4 from the rear edge of the wheel 16to the discharge end 34 of the conveyor 30 is about 50 inches, and theheight H1 of the discharge end 34 above the ground 190 is about 21′-5″.

Other dimensions are possible with different length conveyors, with theconveyor positioned at different angles, and depending on the exactlocation where the elevating carriage is interconnected to the conveyor.

Turning to FIG. 15 , a carriage 12 without the conveyor 30 is shown. Thecarriage 12 includes wheels 16 and corresponding fenders 159 covering atleast a portion of the wheels 16. In the illustrated embodiment, thefenders 159 include a housing 142 for housing one or more lights 141.The one or more lights 141 may comprise one light 141 in someembodiments, and more than one light 141 in other embodiments. Thelights 141 can be any type of illuminating device known in the artincluding LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc. In some embodiments, eachfender 159 includes more than one housing 142. In other embodiments,each fender 159 may not include any housing 142. It will be appreciatedthat the housing 142 and the one or more lights 141 may be positionedanywhere on each fender 159 and/or may be positioned on any component ofthe system 10.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a wheel locking assembly 140 maybe mounted to the carriage 12 and operable to lock rotation of thewheels 16. For example, when the conveyor 30 is in a raised position, itmay be desirable to lock the wheels 16 to prevent movement of thecarriage 12 and the conveyor 30. In some embodiments, the wheel lockingassembly 140 may be used in conjunction with the chocks 6. In otherembodiments, the wheel locking assembly 140 may be used without thechocks 6.

Turning to FIG. 16 , a rear view of the carriage 12 is shown. Asillustrated, two wheel locking assemblies 140 may be mounted to thecarriage 12. Each wheel locking assembly 140 may be positioned adjacentto a corresponding wheel 16. In other embodiments, one wheel lockingassembly 140 may be mounted to the carriage 12 or more than two wheellocking assemblies 140 may be mounted to the carriage 12. For example,more than one wheel locking assembly 140 may be mounted to the carriage12 for one wheel 16 so as to provide a locking redundancy to the wheel16. As illustrated, the wheel locking assemblies 140 are mounted to awheel axis 151, which is parallel to the perpendicular frame member 24.It will be appreciated that the wheel locking assemblies 140 may bemounted to any portion of the carriage 12.

Turning to FIG. 17 , a portion of the carriage 12 is shown to illustratethe wheel locking assembly 140 as applied to a wheel 16. In someembodiments, the wheel locking assembly 140 may be spring-loaded. Thewheel locking assembly 140 includes a sliding pin 144 having a handle148 and housed in a bracket 146 coupled to the wheel axis 151. Thebracket 146 includes a first slot 153 and a second slot 155 forreceiving the handle 148. It will be appreciated that the bracket 146may include any number of slots. As shown, the handle 148 is aprotrusion perpendicular to the pin 144. It will be appreciated that thehandle 148 may not be perpendicular to the pin 144 and may have anyshape.

The sliding pin 144 can be positioned through an opening 157 in thewheel 16 to lock rotation of the wheel 16. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, the wheel 16 includes a plurality of openings 157, though inother embodiments, the wheel 16 may include one opening 157. It will beappreciated that the pin 144 can be positioned in any opening 157 tolock rotation of the wheel 16. Since the pin 144 is also fixed to thecarriage 12 by way of the bracket 146 and the second slot 155, thisprevents the wheel 16 from rotating. Thus, when the pin 144 ispositioned in the opening 157 the wheel 16 is in a locked state.Further, in some embodiments, when the handle 148 is in the first slot153, the pin 144 is not positioned in the opening 157 and wheel 16 is inan unlocked state and free to rotate. When the handle 148 is in thesecond slot 155, the pin 144 is positioned in the opening 157 and thewheel 16 is in a locked state where rotational movement of the wheel 16is locked.

When the pin 144 is moved from the first slot 153 to the second slot 155and vice versa, the pin 144 is first rotated away from the first slot153 or the second slot 155 to rotate the handle 148 out of the firstslot 153 or the second slot 155. The handle 148, and thus the pin 144may be moved to slide through two tubes 151, which are parallel to thewheel axle 151, to move the pin 144 towards or away from the wheel 16.The handle 148 may then be rotated towards the first slot 153 or thesecond slot 155 to move the handle 148 into the corresponding first slot153 or the second slot 155. When the handle 148 is in the first slot153, the pin 144 is not positioned in any opening 157 and thus, thewheel 16 is free to rotate.

Turning to FIGS. 18-23 , at least one embodiment of the towable conveyorsystem 10 is shown in which a gas-powered motor 200 (referred to as a“motor”) is used to run the towable conveyor system 10. In someembodiments, it is desirable to use a gas-powered motor 200 such as, forexample, in instances where an electrical power source is unavailable orinconvenient to obtain. However, the motor 200 is fixed to a platformand must remain level with the ground during use of the towable conveyorsystem 10; otherwise, the motor 200 may shut off if operated at an anglerelative to the ground. It will be appreciated that the motor 200 mayinclude an emergency stop that can be positioned anywhere such as, forexample, on the motor 200, at the idle end 34, and/or the drive end 36.The motor 200 may also include a clutch that is, for example,rotations-per-minute (RPM) based so as to engage the conveyor 30 at adesired RPM and disengage the conveyor 30 when the RPM is below thedesired RPM.

Further, a second roller chain 202 of the motor (and other components)may loosen or tighten as the conveyor 30 is moved between differentpositions (e.g., a first towing position, a second upright position,etc.). In other words, a distance between components of the motor 200such as, for example, a motor drive shaft 230 and a secondary driveshaft 206 changes as the conveyor 30 moves, which results in changes tothe second roller chain 202 that may result in the second roller chain202 loosing tension. Thus, a tension assembly 208 may be used with themotor 200 to maintain tension on the second roller chain 202 as theconveyor 30 moves between the different positions.

As shown in FIG. 18 , an isometric view of the towable conveyor system10 is shown. The towable conveyor system 10 is the same as or similar tothe towable conveyor system 10 as described in FIGS. 1-17 above. Forexample, the towable conveyor system 10 includes the conveyor 30 thatextends from the idle end 34 to the drive end 36 and one or moreconveyor chains 48 that rotate around the conveyor 30. The towableconveyor system 10 also comprises the carriage 12, which may be calledan elevating carriage. The elevating carriage 12 comprises a first endinterconnected to a bottom portion of the conveyor 30 and a second endopposite the first end. The second end of the elevating carriage 12 hastwo wheels 16, which can be tires in some embodiments. The elevatingcarriage 12 also includes a support cradle or conveyor cradle 14. Thesupport cradle 14 includes two arm members in some embodiments. Thedrive end 36 of the towable conveyor system 10 includes the hitch 50interconnected to the conveyor 30 via arm members. The drive end 36includes the motor 200, the enclosure 56 for enclosing the motor 200, adrive assembly 210, a secondary drive assembly 212, and the tensionassembly 208.

Turning to FIGS. 19 and 20 , a close-up view of the drive end 36 isshown with and without the enclosure 56, respectively. As shown andpreviously described the drive end 36 includes the hitch 50 forconnecting the towable conveyor system 10 to, for example, a vehicle, anupper support arm 100 connected to the enclosure 56, side support arms104 connected to the upper support arm 100, and casters 52 which aremounted to the caster leveling plate 54. The motor 200 is positioned onand/or secured to the caster leveling plate 54. It will be appreciatedthat the upper support arm 100 is not shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 forclarity.

The drive assembly 210 includes a drive shaft 204 having at least onesprocket 214 that drives the conveyor chains 48 and thus, the conveyor30. The at least one sprocket 214 may be, for example, and steeldetachable sprocket for a steel detachable chain. The drive shaft 204 isinterconnected to the enclosure 56 and held in place via a first set ofball bearing flangette housings 224. The drive shaft 204 is driven bythe secondary drive assembly 212 via a first roller chain 228 connectinga drive sprocket 216 and a first secondary drive sprocket 218. Thesecondary drive assembly 212 includes a secondary drive shaft 206interconnected to the enclosure 56 and held in place via a second set ofball bearing flangette housings 226. The second set of ball bearingflangette housings 226 may be the same as or different than the firstset of ball bearing flangette housings 224. The secondary drive shaft206 is driven via the second roller chain 202 connecting a secondsecondary drive sprocket 220 to a motor sprocket 222 (visible in FIG. 21). The drive sprocket 216, the first secondary drive sprocket 218, thesecond secondary drive sprocket 220, and/or the motor sprocket 222 maybe any type of sprocket and can have any pitch such as single pitch,double pitch, or multiple pitches.

Turning to FIG. 21 , a close-up view of the drive end 36 is shownwithout the enclosure 56 and without the upper support arm 100 forclarity. As previously described, the second secondary drive sprocket isconnected to the motor sprocket 222 by the second roller chain 202. Themotor sprocket 222 is rotated by a motor shaft 230 driven by the motor200. A speed of rotation of the motor shaft 230 is controlled by a gearbox 232 and the secondary drive shaft 206. During use, as the conveyor30 is moved between different positions (e.g., a first towing position,a second upright position, etc.), distances between components of themotor 200 changes due to positions of the components changing. Forexample, as the conveyor 30 moves between a downward position and anupward position, the second secondary drive sprocket 220 moves relativeto the motor sprocket 222, which remains in the same position. Suchmovement of the second secondary drive sprocket 220 results in thesecond roller chain 202 stretching or loosening, which may result indamage to the second roller chain 202 or other components. Thus, thetension assembly 208 is provided to maintain tension on the secondroller chain 202.

Turning to FIGS. 22 and 23 , a close-up side view of the drive end 36and a close-up, side, cross-sectional view of the drive end 36 taken online A-A (shown in FIG. 19 ) are respectively shown. As shown, thetension assembly 208 includes a first idler gear 234, a second idlergear 236, a third idler gear 238, and a tensioner 240. Each of the firstidler gear 234, the second idler gear 236, and the third idler gear 238contact the second roller chain 202. A first bolt 242 is connected tothe first idler gear 234 and positioned in a first slot 250 formed inthe enclosure 56. The first bolt 242 is held within the first slot 250by a first nut 246. A second bolt 244 is connected to the second idlergear 236 and positioned in a second slot 252 formed in the enclosure 56.The second bolt 244 is held within the second slot 252 by a second nut248. The first idler gear 234 and the second idler gear 236 are freespinning and the first bolt 242 and the second bolt 244 are free to movewithin the first slot 250 and the second slot 252, respectively. Thethird idler gear 238 is also free spinning and a third slot 254 formedin the enclosure 56 enables access to the third idler gear 238 withoutremoving the enclosure 56. The third idler gear 238 is connected to thetensioner 240 via a bolt 256 connected to a bracket 258. The tensioner240 is connected to the bracket 258 at a first end 260 and extends to asecond end 262. As shown, the tensioner 240 is a cylindrical rod, thoughit will be appreciated that in other embodiments the tensioner 240 maybe an elongate body of any shape or size. The second end 262 extendsthrough an opening 264 in the enclosure 56 through which the tensioner240 is free to move through.

A spring 266 is positioned on the tensioner 240 and a nut 268 is securedonto a threaded portion of the second end 262 to hold the spring 266 onthe tensioner 240. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments abiasing element and/or a resilient element such as, for example, a bandmay be used instead of the spring 266. The spring 266 may be selected ormanufactured so as to keep the second roller chain 202 at a desiredtension. The spring 266 biases the second idler gear 236 away from thethird idler gear 238 so as to pull the third idler gear 238 towards thesecond idler gear 236 or a top of the enclosure 56. Such bias maintainsthe tension on the second roller chain 202. More specifically, as thesecond secondary drive sprocket 220 moves a first distance relative tothe motor 200 (e.g., downward) and the second roller chain 202 stretches(e.g., tightens), the third idler gear 238 and the tensioner 240 arepulled downwards towards the first end 260 by the second roller chain202, which compresses the spring 266 and maintains tension on the secondroller chain 202. As the second secondary drive sprocket 220 moves asecond distance relative to the motor 200 (e.g., upwards) and the secondroller chain 202 contracts (e.g. loosens), the third idler gear 238 andthe tensioner 240 are pulled upwards towards the second slot 252 by thespring 266 expanding and biasing the second end 208 away from theenclosure 56. Such movement of the third idler gear 238 maintainstension on the second roller chain 202. During such movements (whetherthe second roller chain 202 is stretching or compressing) the firstidler gear 234 and the second idler gear 236 are fastened fixed to anadjusted point along the length of the first slot 250 and the secondslot 252. The first idler gear 234 and the second idler gear 236 arefastened and fixed by a first bolt 242 and a first nut 246 and a secondbolt 244 and a second nut 248, respectively. The first idler gear 234and the second idler gear 236 help to maintain an alignment of thesecond roller chain 202.

It will be appreciated that the tension assembly 208 may comprise moreor fewer components. For example, the tension assembly 208 may comprisemore or fewer idler gears (e.g., one idler gear, two idler gears, ormore than two idler gears). Further, the tension assembly 208 mayinclude a biasing element other than the spring 266.

Though the description of the invention has included description of oneor more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variationsand modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications arewithin the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill andknowledge of those in the art, after understanding the presentdisclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternativeembodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments,configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspectsof the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments,configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This methodof disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thatthe claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims arehereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

A number of variations and modifications of the invention can be used.It would be possible to provide for some features of the inventionwithout providing others. Accordingly, features of one embodiment can becombined with features of another embodiment without the express mentionof such combination here. Additionally, various features/components ofone embodiment may be combined with features/components of anotherembodiment. For example, features/components of one figure can becombined with features/components of another figure orfeatures/components of multiple figures. To avoid repetition, everydifferent combination of features has not been described herein, but thedifferent combinations are within the scope of this disclosure.Additionally, if details (including angles, dimensions, etc.) about afeature or component are described with one embodiment or one figure,then those details can apply to similar features of components in otherembodiments or other figures.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A towable conveyor system comprising: a firsttowing position and a second position of use; a conveyor having asupport frame, a plurality of support elements for conveying articles upthe conveyor, an outer upper surface on which the articles are conveyed,a bottom surface opposite the outer upper surface, a drive end, and anidle end opposite the drive end; an enclosure positioned at the driveend; a motor positioned in the enclosure and configured to drive theconveyor, the motor having a motor shaft; a drive shaft; a secondarydrive shaft; a first roller chain connecting the drive shaft and thesecondary draft shaft; a second roller chain connecting the secondarydrive shaft and the motor shaft; and a tension assembly configured tomaintain tension on the second roller chain when the conveyor movesbetween the first towing position and the second position of use.
 2. Thetowable conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the tension assemblycomprises a first idler gear, a second idler gear, and a third idlergear each contacting the second roller chain.
 3. The towable conveyorsystem of claim 2, wherein the tension assembly comprises a tensionerconnected to the third idler gear, the tensioner extending from a firstend to a second end, wherein the first end is positioned in theenclosure and the second end extends through and out of an opening onthe enclosure.
 4. The towable conveyor system of claim 3, wherein thetension assembly comprises a spring positioned on the second end of thetensioner and outside of the enclosure, wherein the spring biases thesecond end from the enclosure thereby pulling the third idler gearupwards towards the second end to maintain tension on the second rollerchain.
 5. The towable conveyor system of claim 3, wherein the tensionercomprises a rod.
 6. The towable conveyor system of claim 2, furthercomprising: a first bolt connected to the first idler gear and extendingthrough a first slot formed on the enclosure; and a second boltconnected to the second idler gear and extending through a second slotformed on the enclosure, wherein the first idler gear and the secondidler gear are free spinning and free to move longitudinally along alength of the first slot and the second slot, respectively.
 7. Thetowable conveyor system of claim 1, further comprising: a drive sprocketconnected to the drive shaft; a first secondary drive sprocket connectedto the secondary drive shaft at a first end; a second secondary drivesprocket connected to the secondary drive shaft at a second end oppositethe first end; and a motor sprocket connected to the motor, wherein thefirst roller chain connects the drive sprocket and the first secondarydrive sprocket and the second roller chain connects the second secondarydrive sprocket and the motor sprocket.
 8. The towable conveyor system ofclaim 1, further comprising: an elevating carriage having a first endinterconnected to the support frame of the conveyor at aninterconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two or morewheels interconnected to the second end, a center portion between thefirst and second ends, and two support members, wherein each supportmember has a first end interconnected to the center portion of theelevating carriage and a second end opposite the first end.
 9. Thetowable conveyor system of claim 8, further comprising: a cable systemfor raising the conveyor into the second position of use and forlowering the conveyor into the first towing position, wherein the cablesystem comprises a hand winch interconnected to the conveyor, two cablepulleys interconnected to the elevating carriage, and a cableinterconnected to the hand winch and the two cable pulleys.
 10. Thetowable conveyor system of claim 1, further comprising: a hitchpositioned on the drive end of the conveyor, the hitch capable ofdetachably interconnecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towingvehicle.
 11. The towable conveyor system of claim 1, wherein theconveyor is positioned at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 65degrees relative to the ground when the towable conveyor system is inthe second position of use, and wherein the conveyor is positioned at anangle between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees relative to theground when the towable conveyor system is in the first towing position.12. A towable conveyor system comprising: a first towing position and asecond position of use; a conveyor having a support frame, a pluralityof support elements for conveying articles up the conveyor, an outerupper surface on which the articles are conveyed, a bottom surfaceopposite the outer upper surface, a drive end with a motor, and an idleend opposite the drive end; an elevating carriage having a first endinterconnected to the support frame of the conveyor at aninterconnection point, a second end opposite the first end, two or morewheels interconnected to the second end, a center portion between thefirst and second ends, and two support members, wherein each supportmember has a first end interconnected to the center portion of theelevating carriage and a second end opposite the first end; a cablesystem for raising the conveyor into the second position of use and forlowering the conveyor into the first towing position; an enclosurepositioned at the drive end; a motor positioned in the enclosure andconfigured to drive the conveyor, the motor having a motor shaft; adrive shaft; a secondary drive shaft; a first roller chain connectingthe drive shaft and the secondary draft shaft; a second roller chainconnecting the secondary drive shaft and the motor shaft; and a tensionassembly configured to maintain tension on the second roller chain whenthe conveyor moves between the first towing position and the secondposition of use.
 13. The towable conveyor system of claim 12, whereinthe tension assembly comprises a first idler gear, a second idler gear,and a third idler gear each contacting the second roller chain.
 14. Thetowable conveyor system of claim 13, wherein the tension assemblycomprises a tensioner connected to the third idler gear, the tensionerextending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end ispositioned in the enclosure and the second end extends through and outof an opening on the enclosure.
 15. The towable conveyor system of claim14, wherein the tension assembly comprises a spring positioned on thesecond end of the tensioner and outside of the enclosure, wherein thespring biases the second end from the enclosure thereby pulling thethird idler gear upwards towards the second end to maintain tension onthe second roller chain.
 16. The towable conveyor system of claim 13,further comprising: a first bolt connected to the first idler gear andextending through a first slot formed on the enclosure; and a secondbolt connected to the second idler gear and extending through a secondslot formed on the enclosure, wherein the first idler gear and thesecond idler gear are free spinning and free to move longitudinallyalong a length of the first slot and the second slot, respectively. 17.A method of conveying articles comprising: providing a towable conveyorsystem for conveying articles, the towable conveyor system comprising: aconveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements forconveying articles up the conveyor, an outer upper surface on which thearticles are conveyed, a bottom surface opposite the outer uppersurface, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end opposite the driveend; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to thesupport frame of the conveyor at an interconnection point, a second endopposite the first end, two or more wheels interconnected to the secondend, and a support member extending upwardly from a portion of theelevating carriage between the first and second ends; a cable systemcomprising a winch interconnected to the conveyor, two cable pulleysinterconnected to the elevating carriage, and a cable interconnected tothe winch and the two cable pulleys; an enclosure positioned at thedrive end; a motor positioned in the enclosure and configured to drivethe conveyor, the motor having a motor shaft; a drive shaft; a secondarydrive shaft; a first roller chain connecting the drive shaft and thesecondary draft shaft; a second roller chain connecting the secondarydrive shaft and the motor shaft; and a tension assembly configured tomaintain tension on the second roller chain when the conveyor movesbetween the first towing position and the second position of use; afirst locking mechanism to releasably connect the conveyor to elevatingcarriage; and a connection mechanism positioned on the drive end or theidle end of the conveyor, interconnecting the connection mechanism to arear end of a towing vehicle such that the connection mechanism is in afirst towing position and the towable conveyor system is in a towingposition; towing the towable conveyor system; disconnecting theconnection mechanism from the rear end of the towing vehicle; moving theconnection mechanism into a second position; cranking the winch to winchthe cable; moving the conveyor and/or the elevating carriage toward eachother until the conveyor is in a desired position of use, wherein thetension assembly maintains tension on the second roller chain when theconveyor is moving; and conveying the articles on the outer uppersurface of the conveyor.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisingpulling a handle of the first locking mechanism and releasing theconveyor from the elevating carriage before cranking the winch.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the tension assembly comprises a first idlergear, a second idler gear, and a third idler gear each contacting thesecond roller chain.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tensionassembly comprises a tensioner connected to the third idler gear, thetensioner extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the firstend is positioned in the enclosure and the second end extends throughand out of an opening on the enclosure.